Blogging mission and reflection on the current situation

Step 1: Watch this informative video. You can also activate the English subtitles. Notice the vocabulary which is used. 

Coronavirus: How did it really start and how do we stop it from happening again?

Step 2: Read these articles and/or other related ones on the web, concerning the recently imposed lockdown and quarantine due to the Covid-19 outbreak. The causes and effects of our current situation could easily be topics of discussion in all the official oral exams in June. 

Suggested reading:

Social Distancing? You Might Be Fighting Climate Change, Too

Social distancing accidentally did the hard part for the climate crisis – now it’s up to us to keep going

How to Keep Mentally Healthy During a Quarantine (with a quiz for learners of English at the end)

How to Deal with Coronavirus (Mis)Information Overload 

Additional Measures to Stop Virus Weigh on Economy

A look at cities under lockdown due to the spread of coronavirus

New Reality of Working From Home

Pros and Cons of Teaching Online

I'm a teacher in Italian quarantine, and e-learning is no substitute for the real thing

Reflect on this quote, too.

Step 3: Now answer at least two of the following questions in the comment section below or in your own post on this blog. Click on the image to read the questions.

Typo in question number 5: Have your eating habits...?

ECPE SPEAKING: EVALUATION AND SAMPLE VIDEO

SPEAKING

• Sample of a test taker prompt
• Sample of an examiner prompt
• Test score and commentary for the sample prompt

The video of the two candidates: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FIY4ZoODfeg

ECPE WRITING AND SPEAKING: SLIDE PHOTOS BY OUR STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE HAU SEMINAR IN HERAKLION

Click on the photos to view them in a larger size.

Photos by the amazing Zacharenia.

Sample ECPE speaking test: The candidates' cards

 

ECPE Speaking evaluation

 

Also read: http://markaki-literature.blogspot.gr/2015/09/writing-and-speaking-criteria.html

 

ECPE SPEAKING: STAGES AND TIPS

http://fullspate.digitalcounterrevolution.co.uk/michigan-ecpe-speaking-test.html

ECPE CLASS DEBATE

What an amazing experience we all had! All students were quick to produce arguments regarding the topic on the screen in order to help their team win points. The topics varied from human cloning to fossil fuel combustion, which resulted in a truly heated debate! The team called the Dark Side of the Force won this time, but who knows what the future holds for the Light Side in our next debates. This speaking activity is strongly suggested for all exam classes, in which students are asked to generate ideas on a number of thorny issues, not only in the speaking part, but also in the writing section of the exams.

The slides we used:

ECPE Class: Debate from Maria Markaki Language School

How to read the phonetic symbols in the Companion

THE INTERNATIONAL PHONETIC ALPHABET (IPA)

ECPE SPEAKING

Sample speaking video: https://youtu.be/FIY4ZoODfeg

Examiners' commentary: http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Speaking-Sample-Commentary.pdf

Speaking topics and useful advice concerning part 1 on pages 8-9 of the file: http://www.sylviakar.com/files/downloads/New%20Speaking%20for%20targeting.pdf

ECPE Speaking: Two sample videos

The official video: https://youtu.be/FIY4ZoODfeg

An extra one: https://youtu.be/X8do0ilvYNs

WRITING AND SPEAKING CRITERIA

Writing criteria and corrected essays:

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Writing-Benchmarks.pdf

Writing criteria:

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Rating-Scale-Writing.pdf

Speaking criteria:

http://www.cambridgemichigan.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/ECPE-Rating-Scale-Speaking.pdf

 

Useful info on ECPE speaking and writing

http://www.hau.gr/resources/orfeas/ecpe/ecpe_teachers_guide-winter-2009.pdf 

Speaking Questions- Stage 1

1) What is your neighborhood like?
First of all, I live two minutes from my English school. My neighborhood is not picturesque or attractive because there is not enough greenery and I cannot say that is isolated from the city's life because it is close to a busy avenue. On the other hand, I live in a convenient place because my school and the city centre are a fifteen-minute walk from here. Furthermore, close to my neighborhood there are supermarkets, grocery stores, cafes and generally stores that my family needs and places to chill out.

2) Do you have a large family?
In my family there are the three of us. My mother (Kalliopi) who is a teacher at a primary school,my father (George) who is a German teacher and me a 14-year-old girl who goes to Junior-High School. I also have a female dog (Candy). We have our arguments like every family does, but generally we get on well with each other.

3) What's your school like?
In my opinion, I think my school has a lack of facilities even though there is enough space. For example, we do not have science labs so we must do our experiments in the classroom and our gym and classrooms are not fully-equipped. However, the teachers are really nice and even though the building circumstances are unbearable we have a great time during the lesson.

4) How much free time do you have?
Nowadays I am focusing mostly on studing English. But, I always find some time to chill out or hang out with friends or go to my village.

5) What do you like doing in your spare time?
To begin with, I am keen on dancing and music. I practice dancing four times a week and I like listening to pop music and singing karaoke. I also play the guitar. One thing that I am really crazy about is reading books. I prefer English books because not only do I get away from the boring reality, but I also learn new vocabulary. Also, it is different to read a book in the languuage it had been written because the translation changes the book a little bit.

6) What is your school like? Are you happy with the education you get at your school? Do you look forward to going back to school when your holidays come to an end?
Well, I think my school, even though it has enough space, is provided with a few facilities. We do not have laboratories at all and a not fully-equipped computer room, gym and classrooms. As for the education I get at my school, I am very satisfied. There are expert teachers with valuable knowledge and a perfect character. The building may be in an awful condition, but the education is really good. Finally, I am looking forward to going back to school after the holidays because not only is it essential to improve our knowledge, but we also meet our friends again.

7) How long have you been studying English? Has it been enjoyable learning English? How useful will it be in the future?
First of all, I have been studying English for about 6 years. It is enjoyable learning this language, but a little bit difficult, too. English, and generally learning a new language, helps us to broaden our horizons and gain valuable information. Since English is a global language, it would be extremely useful for me in the future. It will help me to communicate with people in other countries if I travel and live abroad.

8) Do you have any ambitions? What would you like to be doing in ten years time? How easy or hard will it be to achieve these ambitions?
Firstly, I hope I succesfully graduate from High School and go to the University. In the future I'd really like to become a teacher, maybe a philologist. I think that being a teacher is exciting because you provide students with valuable knowledge. I think that I've got what it takes because I am good at theoretical lessons and remembering dates and history events. In ten years time, I hope that I will have finished my studies. Moreover, I would like to travel, find a job and create a family. Maybe it will be hard to achieve all these, but I will look on the bright side.

ECPE Speaking, Stage 3

ECPE Speaking Stage 1

• What is your school like?, Are you happy with the education you get at your school?, Do you look forward to going back to school when your holidays come to an end?

Well, to be honest I think my school is quite underprivileged, because although there is enough space we are not provided with a variety of facilities. For instance, our laboratories are not well-equipped and our classrooms do not include cutting-edge technology to make the lesson more stimulating. However, most of the teachers are lenient and try to make the atmosphere more bearable. As for the education I get at my school, there is no doubt that the tutors have their sights set mostly on facts and figures. That is, vocational subjects are not included in the curriculum, so we are constantly studying hard in order not to flunk the exams. Lastly, I am definitely looking forward to going back to school after every holiday, because I believe it is essential that we keep in touch with our classmates. Moreover, I want to have homework again, because it motivates me and activates my brain.

•  How long have you been studying English?, Has it been enjoyable for you?, How useful will it be in the future? 

To begin with, I've been studying English for about 8 years. Firstly, by mastering English not only do I broaden my horizons, but I also obtain valuable knowledge. Apart from that, English affects positively the way I behave and think, as I have become more cultivated. I believe it will be useful for me in the future, because I wish I become a teacher of English and because I wish I travel and live abroad. That is, I will be able to communicate with citizens of different counties on the grounds that English is the global language. To sum up, English is a very important qualification and it certainly provides individuals with valuable knowledge. 

•  Do you have any ambitions?, What would you like to be doing in ten year's time?, How easy or hard will it be to achieve those ambitions?

First and foremost, I hope I graduate from high school with a decent grade, so I can get into University. I  would really like ti become a teacher of English. In ten year's time I imagine I will have finished my studies and if not, I will definitely have a lot on my plate. Apart from that, I would welcome the opportunity to travel, as I am fond of gathering information about other cultures. What is more, I want to find a satisfactory job, which will make me fell delighted, and which, of course, will be relevant to my qualities and qualifications. I think that my goals are not extremely easy to achieve as they require a lot of studying and patience, especially for the Panhellenic exams about which I will be too shaken up when their time comes. 

ECPE Speaking Stage 1

1) Could you tell me what your neighbourhood is like? 

 Well, to begin with I live two minutes from here. My neighbourhood is not actually picturesque, because there is lots of concrete and asphalt, so it's constantly busy and noisy. Another thing about it, is the fact that I don't have to commute, as it's a fifteen-minute walk to my school or downtown. Moreover, I am provided with many facilities such as supermarkets, chemist's and many places where I can spend my free time. Lastly, I think that it is not as safe as it should be, because sometimes I dread walking lone at night.

2) I wonder if you could tell me if you have a large family. 

  In my family there are four of us. My mum (Nektaria) and my father (Nick) who are employees, my brother (Konstantinos) who plays football professionally and studies physiotherapy and lastly me who am a 15-year old at High School. I have to admit that we get on really well with each other.

3) Perhaps you could let me know what your school is like.

  I would say that my school is underprivileged. It doesn't offer us a wide variety of facilities such as a gym or well-equipped laboratories, although there is definitely enough space. Apart from that, the atmosphere is friendly and the teachers are all experts.

4) Could I ask you how much free time you have? 

  Nowadays, I have almost no spare time, as I am focused on my studies since I have many tests. But, I make a great effort to find some in order to switch off and be set free by the burdens of adolescence.

5) And finally, what do you like doing in your spare time?

  First and foremost I am fond of reading books and especially English ones, because not only do I practise my English, but I also get away from real life. Then, I like listening to music. I prefer dance and electro because the rhythm is energetic and full of life. I am also keen on playing volleyball. I practise twice a week. Last but not least, I am crazy about spending time with my nearest and dearest, since we spend quality time together, as we have inside-jokes which make us burst into tears from laughing. 

ECPE SPEAKING LINKS

http://markaki-students.blogspot.gr/2014/11/ecpe-speaking-links.html 

Getting to know your classmates!

ECPE ice breaking speaking game in which students have to stand up and discover things they didn't know about their classmates' personality.

ECPE Speaking, stages 2 and 3

STAGE 2

Student A.

OPTION 1

In the first alternative, the penalty is a six month sentence in adult prison.

This punishment is a very strict one, since the young boy will have to undergo a shock therapy which is going to modify his behavior.

Furthermore, because the people responsible take juvenile crime seriously in this detention center, (this is unrelated to the next sentence) the 17-year-old offender will be forced to socialize with stern criminals, such as burglars,forgers and murderers as well. Obviously this punctilious type of retribution is going to gratify the injured party.

However, because of the lack of leniency, free psychiatric treatment is included.

OPTION 2

The second option is six months in a detention center for juveniles. This sentence includes a military type of discipline, as the inmates have to march every morning, although, it is not as harmful as the first option, since the adolescent is not going to mix ed with serious criminals (comparisons will be made in later stages). Moreover, this program is composed of a variety of (reading and writing) activities and classes to upgrade the literacy skills of the offenders. In addition, the staff is knowledgeable in dealing with young criminals and, apart from that, there are psychologists who assist the convicts twice a week.

Student B.

OPTION 1

My first option is electronic tagging and curfew.

The offender is going to be under custody for 24 hours with an implanted a microchip that uses GPS system technology.

Moreover, the teenage boy supervised will have to stay indoors from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., so the stigma is less than when being an actual prisoner.

However, once a week it is mandatory to have a meeting with a police social worker.

The good thing is that the teenager remains in the community and he is able to study, work or do ing extracurricular activities and the only reason to get imprisoned is the removal of the microchip from his ankle.

OPTION 2

My alternative option (the final option/ choice/ solution/ punishment available) is the community service punishment.

In this kind of sentence, the offender has to stay at home and work for 8 hours per day for the local parks department under the supervision of experts. The point is that if he fails to complete this task, he is getting imprisoned immediately.

(Apart from the degrading outdoors working) Even though working outdoors may seem degrading to an adolescent, the good thing is that he will be able to get a piece of valuable advice in order to obtain a job in the future.

STAGE 3

A)Right then, the second option seems more appropriate retribution for this young offender- I am talking about the six months in a detention center for juveniles. What is the option you consider to be best?

B)I would say that community service fits this teenager better, as it is not such a strict penalty and it helps him to fit into society straight away. What led you to your second choice?

A) Well, this alternative combines discipline which is indispensable and education too, for instance there is a military type of marching everyday morning and classes for improving literacy skills. What makes you think that community service is the right choice?

B)I firmly believe that in this way the boy is going to give back to the society what it deserves, by working outdoors under the supervision of experts. Apart from that, he is staying in his home and doesn’t lose the paternal and maternal support. Thus, I tend to believe that my option is more appropriate than yours, don’t you agree?

A)I think that you have a point, although your option is too lenient ly and maybe the teenager is going to break the law again.

B) Yes, but bear in mind that if he fails to complete the schedule, he is going to be penalized with a sentence in prison.

A) That is correct. It is settled, then. The community service is just what is needed for the young offender to learn his lesson.

Answers to common speaking questions

This is my answer for the following speaking test (Ielts)

Part 1

Which magazines and newspapers do you read?

Nowadays I don’t really read any newspapers often, except sometimes that I want to be informed about the political and financial problems of my country , and that’s because I found them really expensive and other than that I can easily found them online on the web.

What kinds of article are you most interested in?

I really enjoying reading articles from magazines with scientific content and that’s mostly because I love mathematics and computer science. I also want to know how the market’s going, so I love reading articles about the stock market, I don’t have any specific reason why I read those articles , it’s just a personal preference .

Have you ever read a newspaper or magazine in a foreign language?

Actually, I’m reading magazines in English all the time, and not just me, but all the adults, and that’s because nowadays it’s easy to browse them from internet, its free and fast. For instance when I wake up in the morning I like drinking my coffee with a newspaper browsed from the web, it’s a nice ‘company’.

Do you think reading a newspaper or magazine in a foreign language is a good way to learn the language?

Well to learn the language from all aspects no, but when you flick though a magazine , written in English for example , you can sometimes understand, peoples culture and their everyday activities. However reading an English magazine let you also know the peoples slang, which is really hard to expertise alone. In conclusion reading a magazine can be beneficial and simultaneously can harm you, if you are trying to learn English only from them.

Part 2

Describe a restaurant that you enjoyed going to. You should say: 1) where the restaurant was, 2) why you chose this restaurant, 3) what type of food you ate in this restaurant and explain why you enjoyed eating in this restaurant.

If I remember correctly it was two years ago, the restaurants’ name was china town and it was located in syntagma (Athens) .From the first second that I saw it , it was amazing, the service was excellent and fast , imagine that waitress was filling our glasses with water all the time and her reactions was really fast. It had great salads with many vegetables, and the two most exciting dishes was duck with sweat sauce and vegetables, and a soup filled with shark fin, the last one was delicious. Other than that I really like their ‘traditional’ beer, the Chinese beer. In a nutshell the atmosphere was amazing and I would like to visit them again in the near future, it worth every penny.

Some of part 3 questions

Some people say that food in an expensive restaurant is always better than food in a cheap restaurant – would you agree?

Well, I have never considered this matter before, but I’m inclined to believe that sometimes expensive restaurants are believed to be better due to pricey materials and ingredients they use in order to cook the food that they serve. I also have to mention that we might sometimes pay more for the trademark of the restaurant than the actually food that we order, and that’s because some restaurants are luxury and we need to choose them on more special occasions like birthdays or weddings. So in conclusion I disagree.

How important is it for a country to be able to grow all the food it needs, without importing any other from other countries?

That’s a tough question to be answered, but the true question is, can a country grow all the food it needs alone? I guess the answer is no, because this is nearly impossible. For example here in Greece as a Mediterranean country we have an advantage of growing vegetables thanks to the right conditions but we don’t have all kinds of fruits that we might need, like Africa, so we are forced to import them from our neighbors. All in all the more food a country grow the wealthier it gets.